They’re all part and parcel to the superpower of the ROAD TRIP. Road trips have captured our imaginations since before we ever landed behind the wheel. They have the power to make us feel free. And unencumbered by emails and office work.

So, looking to roll down the windows, and get a little sunshine on my face, I set out on a mini road trip in an Acura MDX to Palm Springs this past weekend. With a half a tank of gas, the car’s killer newly designed front grill, and my husband, sister, and dog by my side, we were ready to let the good times roll.

So, in honor of the fun we had, I’m sharing my four secret major keys to road-tripping your way to happiness.

1. YES, YOU READ RIGHT. I SAID HALF TANK.

Some people like to over-prepare. But part of the fun of a road trip is the impromptu turn-offs. You never know what you might find out your way out of town and off the beaten path. So contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to over-prepare your tank by filling it up all the way. Now, wait. I’m not advising you to run out of gas, but I am suggesting that you pull off the road, fill up your tank, but then hit up the nearby town. Pick up a trinket or two that will always remind you of your time at the mom and pop shop off the interstate.

Since we were riding in the Acura MDX and getting about 27 highway miles per gallon, a half tank got us pretty far!

Half talk, full heart. Can’t lose.

2. YOU DO NEED TO PREP THOSE TUNES

A family and friend sing-along is exactly what you need to fill up some of the hours of the road. But this is not the time to be selfish with your music. You want to pick jams that everyone can sing along to. Nothing too known, but nothing so obscure that you’re the only one singing. This isn’t your shower after all. My personal road trip playlist can be found here.

The Acura MDX even has a 7-inch on-demand multi-use display screen. It's positioned within easy reach of the driver and front passenger and controls the audio system and there's even surround sound!

3. DON’T TRY TO RUSH IT

So you hit rush hour? It’s not a problem. Road trips are 100% about the journey and not the destination (though a nice destination doesn't hurt.) Bring along a pack of Table Topics and play in the car. Go old school and play 20 questions. Get to know the people you love even more. There is something to be said for treating the road like part of the vacation.

With super spacious leg room, new leather piping and comfy captain’s chairs the new Acura MDX is the perfect place to be in traffic, if you have to be there.

4. GRAB GREAT CONTENT

I can’t help it. It’s the OG blogger in me, but every time I set out on a road trip I know there are going to be spots for perfect road trip content grabs. Plus, the desert during magic hour is too good to pass up. My professional photographer sister happened to be in the car with us, but it was the all-wheel drive and V6 performance capability in the car that really got us to the shot spot.

Have tips you want to share with us? What are your must-haves for Road Trips?

This post was created in paid partnership with Acura.